ASD Martina Franca claimed a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Nardo in an Italian Serie D Girone H encounter on 11 May 2026. Playing at the Stadio Giuseppe Domenico Tursi, the home side overturned an early deficit to secure three points that boosted their mid-table standing.

Match Overview

The match kicked off under clear skies, and it was Nardo who started brightly, taking the lead in the 15th minute with a well-struck volley from the edge of the box. Martina Franca responded by increasing their urgency, equalizing just before halftime through a penalty after a handball in the box. The second half was a tight affair, but the hosts found the winner in the 72nd minute when a deflected free kick wrong-footed the Nardo goalkeeper. Martina Franca defended resolutely in the final stages to claim all three points.

Key Moments

• 15th minute: Nardo takes a surprise lead – a cross from the right is volleyed home by the attacking midfielder, 0-1.
• 43rd minute: Martina Franca awarded a penalty after a VAR check (Serie D uses review system in some matches). The striker steps up and calmly slots it into the bottom corner, 1-1.
• 72nd minute: A free kick from 25 yards takes a heavy deflection off the wall, looping over the keeper and into the net, 2-1.
• 88th minute: Nardo’s striker hits the post with a header, their best chance to equalize.

Tactical Story

ASD Martina Franca lined up in a 4-3-3, looking to press high and win the ball in advanced areas. Nardo, playing a 4-4-2, sat deeper after their early goal, inviting pressure. The home side’s equalizer came from sustained pressure, and the winning goal was somewhat fortuitous but reward for their territorial dominance. Nardo struggled to create clear chances after going behind, as Martina Franca’s midfield dropped deeper to protect the lead.

Standout Players

• Martina Franca’s No. 10 (playmaker): Was fouled for the penalty and delivered dangerous set pieces throughout, including the free kick that led to the winner.
• Martina Franca’s goalkeeper: Made two crucial saves in the second half, especially a one-on-one stop in the 80th minute that preserved the lead.

Season Impact

This win moved ASD Martina Franca to 9th in the Girone H table, comfortably mid-table and away from relegation worries. Nardo slipped to 13th, now only four points above the drop zone. For Martina Franca, this comeback victory showcased their resilience and ability to grind out results.